Our lives are put back together now, and I feel, more than ever, obliged to help others where and when I can, having had no ability to pitch in after Sandy. As a former Boy Scout raised on the Scout’s Oath “to help other people at all times,” I have long felt a need to lend a hand if I can, but Sandy reinforced that sense of duty within me. I begin here in the best way I know how –– by writing.

On this week two years ago, I published a column titled “Saving the world, $10 at a time.” It focused on national and international nonprofit organizations that readers could donate $10 to and make a big difference in reducing poverty and protecting the planet. Now I’d like to shine a light on local nonprofit groups that are here to help the South Shore weather its storms, no matter what form they may take. Donations are always appreciated. Ten dollars will do.

1. CoLoKi Inc. In the days and weeks after Sandy struck, many people’s primary concern –– if they weren’t injured in the storm –– was rebuilding, and suddenly hundreds of South Shore residents with damaged homes were turning to day laborers to do the hard work of rebuilding. Too often these men, most of whom are immigrants, are forgotten. Paid a pittance and offered no health insurance, they stand on street corners, waiting, hoping, for their next job. Many go hungry. Some are homeless. This nonprofit group, run by Merokean Liz O’Shaughnessy, maintains a work hiring trailer and a small community center in Freeport to provide the men with a clean, dry place to wait for jobs, where they can also get two warm meals a day. For more, check out www.colokiinc.com.

2. Peninsula Counseling Center. Established in 1913 as the Relief Association of Lawrence, the Peninsula Counseling Center is one of the oldest and largest mental health counseling centers on Long Island, and it played a critical role in providing support to storm victims in the days and weeks after Hurricane Sandy. Its office is now in Valley Stream. To find out more, go to www.peninsulacounseling.org.

Comments

I have been trying for over 4 weeks, to help. Debbie told me to get out of the house and do something-anything. So since i'm an old drywaller, i-I thought-new york is haveing a hard time. She said-go-get it done-give em a hand harve. But no one wants a free hand, I think I get it, but its tougher getting a free job then a paying job. on the take, i think thats the thought process. every one in my family thinks im synical, this is the reason why. hell, i just wanted to lend a hand. free dosent mean anything more then rippin you off these days. what a shame. im also shameful in so many way. i guess you could call me a jack mormon. well-you beinging a columnist, i spose you heard it all anyway. i was probably only looking for absolution or a pat on the back. new york-tough towns.